July 22/09 13:59 pm - Third Annual Crankworx Colorado, Kokanee Crankworx Announces the Canadian Open Enduro

Posted by Editoress on 07/22/09

Crankworx Colorado

The Third Annual Crankworx Colorado gets underway July 30 – Aug 2, 2009. What started as a spin-off to the original Kokanee Crankworx, based in Whistler, B.C., Crankworx Colorado has become the largest gravity-fueled mountain bike festival in the United States. Over the course of four intense days, spectators are awed by some of the world’s best mountain bike athletes battling it out for over $35,000 in prizes. Some of the biggest names in mountain biking like Semenuk, Basagoitia, Lacondeguy and Berrecloth will be on site. Don’t miss the mountain biking event of the summer; make your reservations now. You won’t regret it. A limited number of media credentials are still available.

The complete schedule of events is attached but highlights include:

Thursday, July 30

Dual Slalom Time Trials

Downhill

Slopestyle Qualifiers

Friday, July 31

Best Trick

Dual Slalom Finals

Saturday, August 1

Cross Country

Slopestyle Finals

Sunday August 2

Super Downhill

Follow the action online at www.crankworx.com, on twitter at Crankworx, and on Facebook.

Kokanee Crankworx’s big, new event for 2009 is the ultimate all-mountain challenge designed to ensure the all-mountain rider reigns supreme. The Canadian Open Enduro will let ‘er rip on Saturday, August 15 on a course where gravity will alternatively help and hinder the racer.

“This race is the ultimate test for the all-mountain rider,” says Seb Fremont, Summer Events Coordinator. “The course is being designed with significant input from some of the world’s best crosscountry, freeride, downhill and enduro riders. We have consulted with riders including Jason Moeschler, Brian Lopes, Mark Weir, Andreas Hestler, Richie Schley and local ripper Matt Ryan to create a course that provides a stage for riders of various backgrounds and skills to compete on. The winner will be the rider with the most complete package of skills and fitness.”

The Canadian Open Enduro is a one run, mass start race based on individual categories and Kokanee Crankworx organizers expect to see downhillers mixing it up with crosscountry riders. The course will begin at the top of the Garbanzo Express and will drop 3,800 vertical feet to finish in Whistler Village. What separates the Canadian Open Enduro from a traditional downhill event is the course will be interspersed with short, energy-sapping, pedaling sections set to add another 400-600 vertical feet to the race. The fastest race times are expected to be in the 25 minute range. The course has not been finalized yet so riders are encouraged to stay tuned to the Crankworx website for more details on the course layout.

“While we expect the perfect bike for this race will be a 140-150mm travel all mountain bike, we would not be surprised to see 20lb crosscountry bikes duking it out with 38+lb downhill rigs with 200mm travel,” says Fremont. “That’s the beauty of this event, based on their individual strengths every rider can, and will, approach it differently.”

Although race organizers are still waiting on final confirmations in the pro category, it is expected the $6,000 cash prize purse will attract some the world’s best in this emerging event concept. Registration is now open for the event in the amateur and professional categories with cash or prizing up for grabs.

Canadian Open Enduro Event Schedule

Friday, August 14th

10:30–2:30pm Training on closed course for registered competitors

2:30pm-onward Course open to public and competitors for balance of day

Incredible prizing in the following categories will also be up for grabs: Junior Women, Amateur Women, Boys 13-15, Junior Men 16-18, Amateur Men 19-29 and Master Men 30+.

The registration event pages for Kokanee Crankworx can be accessed through www.crankworx.com or through www.karelo.com. Amateur registration fees are $55 plus GST and professional registration fees are $65 plus GST. Register online prior to August 6 and save a $10 on-site surcharge.

Space permitting, onsite registration will be available starting August 7. The Athlete Centre will be open from 12-5pm August 7 and then from 9am-3pm for the balance of Kokanee Crankworx. On-site registration will be available space permitting, as some events have caps on registration. No day-of registration will be offered, only check-in for pre-registered competitors. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

Keep up to date on all things Kokanee Crankworx through www.crankworx.com and make sure to add @Crankworx via Twitter for all the latest news.